Hi Tom and welcome to COL!
If you want the handstripped look there's only one way to do it. Yes, you've guessed. No other method will work and there are no shortcuts. It's the price you have to pay I'm afraid.
Jack is a show type now 5. I don't show but have always handstripped him as I feel the same way as you. Be aware that it's a lot of work and it's ongoing, but for me it's not a chore and the time and effort is well worth it. Nothing beats the gorgeousness of a properly handstripped Cocker. There is a learning curve but I find little and often is better for him (and me) than trying to do it all at once every so often. Plenty of excellent advice in the Grooming section will be enough to keep you going. I've always been against using anything that may cut the coat (other than scissoring feet), but that doesn't mean good results can't be had with a Coat King or similar - 'good' meaning comfortable and tidy. I should add that I would not regard it's use as hand-stripping either in method or more importantly in results.
Handstripping will only be possible when the coat is ready, usually not before 12-15 months old and it could be longer. Pooch will go through the woolly mammoth 'looking like he's been dragged through a hedge backwards' phase from about 6-9 months as the coat changes. Of course, you can have him clipped, but the coat will not be the same afterwards and it may not as a consequence be possible to handstrip. If you really want to handstrip there's not a lot you can do about this phase other than put up with it and establish regular grooming habits to get him/her used to being messed about with, training to stand still etc. Even after four years or so, Jack just about tolerates it.
Grooming should be done daily. Use a brush/comb combination to keep the coat clean and tangle free, paying particular attention to the ears.